Botched Surgery Caused Serious Injury, Lawsuit

Surgery often comes with some degree of risk. We trust that our doctor will provide the best care possible and will do what is necessary to ensure a successful outcome. Sometimes, however, mistakes happen. Mistakes during surgery can have devastating results, as one man has learned. The man underwent a colonoscopy, an exploratory procedure that should not be dangerous. In this instance, the man alleges that he suffered a ruptured colon as the result of the negligence of the doctor performing the procedure. The man has filed a lawsuit in Cook County against the doctor as well as the Midwest Center for Digestive Health SC in Oak Lawn.

Colonoscopy Mistake
A colonoscopy is a procedure used to assess and diagnose digestive disorders including cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, colonoscopies are recommended to be performed every ten years. The use of this screening measure can provide early detection of cancer. When colon cancer is diagnosed early it can be treated much more successfully. The colonoscopy is a routine procedure that, in this instance, went wrong. The doctor tried unsuccessfully twice to perform the complete procedure and was unable to do so. He then sent the man home. Later that same day the man went to the hospital where doctors discovered that air in his abdomen from the colonoscopy had caused his colon to rupture.

Ruptured Colon
A ruptured colon is a very serious and life-threatening injury that must be quickly treated. In this case, doctors performed emergency surgery and were able to repair the colon and save the man’ life. However, the man suffered an infection following the surgery, which became septic. Sepsis can occur when an infection reaches the bloodstream and is carried throughout the body causing harm to other organs. The man developed symptoms that still continue and had to undergo a colostomy. A colostomy is surgery to remove a portion of the colon, requiring the use of a colostomy bag.Medical MalpracticeMedical malpractice is a very common occurrence. The third leading cause of death in the U.S. is due to a medical mistake. There are thousands of medical mistakes made every day across the country. Not all medical mistakes cause serious injury or death, however, sometimes they do. Doctors, surgeons, nurses, and other medical professionals are required to provide a high level of care because of their extensive knowledge, training, and experience. A serious medical mistake can cause severe injuries that may require expensive ongoing treatment.

Getting the Help You Need
If you or a loved one is the victim of medical malpractice do not delay in taking legal action. You are entitled to money for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Seek the justice you deserve and don’t struggle to pay expensive medical bills that were not your fault. Levin & Perconti is a leading medical malpractice firm in Chicago, handling all types of personal injury cases. Contact Levin & Perconti today to schedule a free consultation.

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The purpose of this blog is to deliver news and information that is relevant to our areas of practice. The news and information reported on this blog represent the legal actions of attorneys throughout the United States. Our firm does not claim to represent plaintiffs in all of the lawsuits, settlements, and jury verdicts reported, only those noted as Levin & Perconti cases.